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VITAS Healthcare Promotes Planning for Medical Care

In recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day, which falls on April 16, VITAS Healthcare, a prominent provider of hospice care in the United States, is urging individuals to document their healthcare goals and preferences before a medical crisis arises. This initiative aims to support patients in receiving care that aligns with their values while also easing the emotional burden on their families.

Importance of Advance Care Planning

Advance care planning is a proactive approach that helps ensure individuals receive medical attention reflective of their wishes during critical times. Despite its significance, many adults have yet to complete advance directives or discuss their healthcare preferences with loved ones.

To tackle this pressing issue, VITAS is hosting a free educational webinar targeting healthcare professionals and community members alike. The session will provide continuing medical education (CME) or continuing education (CE) credits, offering practical tools to guide meaningful discussions about advance directives and healthcare planning.

Webinar Details:

• - Topic: Advance Directives and Medical Care Planning
• - Date: April 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET
• - Format: Virtual (Zoom)
• - Registration: Available at VITAS.com/Webinars

Heather Veeder, MD, the regional medical director of VITAS, notes, "Too often, these conversations happen in times of crisis when patients can no longer voice their wishes. Advance care planning gives individuals a voice in their care and provides clarity to families and clinicians. It's one of the most crucial steps we can take to ensure that care reflects what matters most to each person."

The upcoming webinar will explore how clinicians can incorporate advance care planning into routine practice, normalize discussions around serious illnesses, and assist patients in clearly documenting their preferences.

Community Collaboration for Greater Impact

In addition to the webinar, VITAS is expanding its educational outreach through collaboration with the Florida Hospital Association. On April 16, they will host a joint webinar aimed at enhancing conversations about advance care planning throughout Florida’s healthcare system. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to improve patient-centered care through earlier and more frequent dialogue.

Moreover, VITAS experts have recently engaged in broader national discussions on this topic. Dr. Veeder and Jason Cooper, a national spiritual services leader, contributed insights during an episode of the MANifesting Health Webinar Series hosted by the American Association for Men in Nursing. This conversation emphasized the clinical, emotional, and spiritual importance of advance care planning, reinforcing the need for interdisciplinary approaches.

Making Advance Care Planning a Year-Round Priority

While National Healthcare Decisions Day serves as an annual reminder, Dr. Veeder stresses that advance care planning should always be a consistent priority. "Every adult should have a plan, regardless of their age or health status. When preferences are documented and communicated, patients receive care aligned with their goals, and families avoid the uncertainty of making difficult decisions without clear guidance."

Through education, collaboration, and the provision of tools to healthcare professionals, VITAS continues to set the standard for compassionate and patient-centered end-of-life care.

About VITAS Healthcare

Founded almost 50 years ago, VITAS Healthcare is the leading provider of end-of-life care in the United States. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, VITAS operates in 59 service areas across 15 states and the District of Columbia. The organization serves over 22,000 patients daily, providing compassionate hospice and palliative care primarily where patients call home, as well as in inpatient hospice centers, and through partnerships with hospitals and nursing homes. VITAS employs nearly 12,000 staff members and has been recognized as a Top Workplace in Healthcare 2025. For additional information, visit vitas.com.